Whether for personal or business endeavours, taking on a video production project can be overwhelming. Projects like corporate videos, marketing shorts, music videos and wedding cinematography are areas where you don't want an amateur running the show. A team of experienced professionals can yield a straightforward process and a professional result, but how do you find the right videographer for your project? Here are five tips to help prepare you for your next video production project.
1. Know What You Want
If you're hunting for a videographer without knowing what you want from your project, take some time to brainstorm first. You may not be creative, and that's okay. Your video represents who you are, so put some effort into how you want to come across, what you'd like the message to be or what you envision for the overall look. Then come up with a budget that you're comfortable with.
If your right-brain creative side is in the dumps, let each videographer you interview know they need to start from ground zero. A good cinematographer can tell your story by asking compelling questions to capture your vision, even when you aren't aware of your project's overall look.
2. Be Upfront with Your Budget
Most videographers have a base or standard rate that they charge for their service. If your budget doesn't match or exceed that minimum, move on to save everyone's time and money. Put a fair value on your project and decide if you're willing to pay someone that amount. If you're not, adjust your expectations to help bring your costs down.
You could also source template apps to create a low-budget presentation video if that fits your project goals. Remember the saying, "you get what you pay for." Do your due diligence to ensure you're paying for quality work and valuing your project as a direct reflection of you. You want the final product to be something you're proud of and recognize the value in what it costs to produce.
3. View Portfolios
Most production studios and videographers will display examples of their work on websites or social sites. If you're looking for something, ask if they have experience and samples of that type of project.
A team's portfolio allows you to see the quality, creativity, and execution of their work. You'll be able to get a feel for the style of their cinematography and decide if it fits with your vision or not. You'll also be able to see if they can provide editing and post-production services that will enhance your project.
When viewing a portfolio, analyze the versatility of the video team. Any project has the potential to expand to the next level, but you'll need someone with flexibility and innovation to achieve it.
4. Do You Vibe?
I will undoubtedly say that technical skill and creativity are imperative when hiring a videographer, but personality is also essential. Have an in-depth phone conversation or a face-to-face meeting with your videography team to see if you gel well together.
Think about hiring a videographer for your wedding; this individual will be in close contact with you and your spouse on the most important day of your life. Wouldn't you rather have someone you genuinely like?
If you're investing time and money into a project, you want to ensure the process is as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Notice how the videographer responds to your idea. Is your passion reciprocated?
Look for a videographer who is interested in your business or personal endeavour. Then choose a team that takes their work seriously and can be fun. You want your videographer to enhance your day, not get in the way.
5. Are They All-Encompassing?
When seeking videographers pay attention to their resources. Do they have the equipment, skills, artistry, and workforce to back your project? Many videographers need to rent additional equipment to fulfill a job, which means more expense for you.
Search for an all-encompassing videography team with its own equipment at your disposal. Choosing a videographer who already has the staff and equipment needed to achieve your project goals means less hassle with third-party freelancers and rentals.
Look for a company like Juno Productions, where you'll work with an experienced team of professionals with technical equipment and the ability to execute your project with precision.
At Juno, we listen to your passion and complete a storyboard for your vision. We'll collaborate to bring your personality and ideas into your visual story. We have video styles to suit almost every budget and offer a diverse portfolio with over two decades of cinematic expertise.
Customer service and superior client approval are at the forefront of our business. We want you to enjoy working with us. Creating content should be fun, not a chore.
For your next video endeavour, contact Juno Productions in Calgary, Alberta.